Miniature World in Victoria, British Columbia

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Perhaps it’s because I watched Honey I Shrunk The Kids last week (a movie I haven’t seen in 20 years), but I started thinking about my visit to Miniature World in Victoria, British Columbia. Victoria was the final destination on my 6-week long road trip around Canada and the US back in 2013. Although I’d been to Victoria a couple of times, I had never been to Miniature World.

Now I’m going to preface this post by saying that Miniature World is an attraction geared toward families and young kids. I wasn’t travelling with kids. I was travelling alone, but I loved this place, and that surprised me. I thought I’d go in and think, “well this is okay.” Instead, I went in and had to stop myself from squealing over the tiny displays. At one point, I’m pretty sure I made a high pitched “eeee!” It was a bit ridiculous.

What is Miniature World

Miniature World is a tourist attraction located in downtown Victoria that has miniature dioramas and displays with themes ranging from creations of classic fairy tales to historical events. Miniature World touts itself as being “The Greatest Little Show on Earth.” You can’t get much more theatrical than that.

The Miniature World Exhibit

Now I don’t remember the exact order of every exhibit, but one of the first exhibits you see is a science fiction exhibit that shows outer space in the year 2201. I walked into a dark room and saw these miniature spaceships. There were different coloured lights and some sound effects, and while some people would think, “oh this is cheesy” I was immediately smitten. I made my way through the other exhibits that showcased different events, both fictional and non-fictional. Many of the displays had sound effects and lights. Some had buttons you could push to make the miniature people and vehicles move around.

It was excellent, and I say that without any hint of irony or sarcasm.

Miniature World Photos

You can learn some history at Miniature World. Here’s a scene of WWII’s The Battle of Caen.

There’s a large section about Canadian history. Here is a Kwakwaka’wakw or Kwakiutl village from the 1880’s. The Kwakwaka’wakw are Native American tribe who lived in the coastal British Columbia region.

Canada is a big country. The expansion of rail transport across the country in the 1800’s helped unite Canada from coast to coast. Here you can see the last railway spike that’s hammered into the ground in Craigellachie, BC.

Here are some little castles at Miniature World.

This miniature display was called Ye Olde London Towne.

It’s not all history at Miniature World. Here is a miniature scene of the Charles Dickens’s class Oliver Twist.

The mini tree house of The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.

This recreates is the famous book Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift. The giant of Gulliver looks so big, but it’s probably only a foot long.

A scene from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Mini dwarves, isn’t that a hyperbole?

I don’t like real circuses that use animals, but this circus is fake and uses tiny plastic figurine animals, so that’s okay.

PHOTO: This is a creation of a typical midway in the 1900’s. Not only did it light up, but the rides spun around.

I don’t know why Miniature World was so much fun for me to visit. I never really played with miniature figurines, and even with the fairytale and fictional displays, there was still quite a bit of historical exhibits. Perhaps during the end of a 6-week road trip across Canada and the US, I just needed to do something ridiculously silly. Maybe Miniature World reminded me of being a kid. I’m not sure, but it was a fun experience, and Miniature World is likely a place I’ll visit in Victoria again.

Things You Should KnowMiniature World is at 649 Humboldt Street in Victoria, BC. Admission is $8 for a child and $12 for an adult. You can save money by purchasing your ticket online in advance. I paid for my admission (full price) to Miniature World.
During this trip to Victoria, British Columbia I stayed at the Ocean Island Inn Backpacker Suites. It was an excellent budget hostel with a central location in Victoria.
If you’re visiting Victoria, BC be sure to eat some delicious seafood from Red Fish Blue Fish. It’s an outdoor waterfront eatery on the harbour, and the tuna tacones (like a taco cone) are the best. If you’re looking for a good vegetarian/vegan option, then I highly recommend Cafe Bliss.

Is there a cheesy kids attraction you love? Confess it to me in the comments below.

I also didn’t think I would LOVE this place when I visited in the 90s while in Victoria. I LOVED it! It truly is not “just for kids” – even BIG kids will likely love this place. So much history and what a unique way to show it!

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Alouise, a Canadian who just got back from living in Ireland for almost two years. I'm a travel, theatre, and life enthusiast. Take Me to the World is where I'll blather on about my love of travel, love of theatre (especially musicals), and the randomness of life.

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